Moon Crowned

Controversial Korean evangelist and self-declared messiah Sun Myung Moon received a "Crown of Peace" at a March 23 ceremony that took place at the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C., and was promoted by members of Congress.

Wearing flowing robes reminiscent of Middle Ages kingly attire, Moon and his wife, Hak Ja Han, had golden crowns placed on their heads during the ceremony, which was attended by a U.S. senator and several members of the House of Representatives.

It was clear that Moon followers viewed the coronation ceremony as more than just an award. On Moon's Family Federation for World Peace and Unification website a few days later, top Moon official Chung Hwan Kwak was quoted as saying, "So in effect, the crowning means America is saying to Father, 'Please become my king.'"

Observed Kwak, "The Outside' view of the Capitol Hill event was that Father received a crown, an award for his years of dedication and leadership in reconciliation and peace-making. The 'inside' view of the event was that America surrendered to True Parents in the king's position."